MINGEI OF JAPAN – Treasures New and Old from the Museum’s Collection
ON VIEW - April 2, 2016 – October 2, 2016
What is Mingei?
Almost a hundred years ago, the Japanese scholar Soetsu Yanagi coined the term mingei—
everybody’s art—to draw attention to objects that were made by hand for daily use, according
to the age-old traditions of Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. Yanagi was concerned that
these craft traditions would disappear with the rise of industrialization in Asia. He was making
the point, too, that the value of an object has little or nothing to do with the intrinsic value of
the materials used to make it, and everything to do with the respect for the materials and the
care that goes into its design and formation.
Objects of Use
Featured objects are used in everyday life in Japan. They include clothing, cooking and
serving utensils, ceramic vessels, baskets, brooms, brushes, furniture and devotional
objects.
Craftsmanship & Beauty
These objects were created by skilled craftspeople and meant to carry out particular
functions, however they are also exceptionally beautiful in their simplicity, emphasizing
the innate beauty of natural materials and the tradition of making objects by hand.
Tradition
Many of the works were created by artists who have not received an academic
education or formal training, but rather, have learned traditions passed down through
their families or as apprentices.
Process
Process is the way in which an art piece is created. Pottery, woodworking,
metalsmithing, blacksmithing and weaving are all examples of highly skilled processes
found in this exhibition.
Student will Explore:





Japanese culture, art forms and aesthetics
The impacts of progress and change (the Industrial Revolution) on traditional art
practices in Japan
Handmade objects of everyday use, and why these objects are important - both in Japan
and elsewhere
The connection between Soetsu Yanagi’s writings on Mingei and how those aesthetics
can be seen in the objects featured in this exhibition
Various art forms and processes including ceramics, woodworking, metalsmithing,
blacksmithing, weaving and dyeing
Tatsuzō Shimaoka (1919 – 2007)
Vase
Mashiko, Japan
c. 2000
Salt-glazed and rope-impressed
stoneware with inlaid slip
Shinichi Nakagawahara (b. 1948)
Two Handled Basket (Akebi Zuru)
Yokote, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Fourth quarter of the 20th century
Woven akebi vine
Serizawa Keisuke (1985 – 1984)
Summer Kimono (Yukata)
Japan
Mid-20th century
Hand-spun, hand-woven and sewn
indigo on banana fiber
Unknown Artist
Ema Votive Painting
Japan, 19th century
Painted wood
MINGEI-INSPIRED CLAY BOWLS
The art of ceramics is an important and longstanding tradition throughout Japan. Specific regions are
known for their unique traditions, natural resources and processes. The aesthetic value of nature, it’s
impermanence, imperfection, and natural beauty are all common threads seen in the many art forms of
Japan on display in MINGEI OF JAPAN.
In both clay lessons listed below the recommended designs and glazing techniques are directly inspired
by Japanese ceramic processes and aesthetic designs. The use of household items, such as rope, are
used to press into the clay to create texture and designs. In addition, natural glazing techniques of
dipping, dripping, and single brush strokes all highlight the natural properties of the material.
Slab Formed Bowls
Materials: Self Hardening Clay (freeformclay.com), clay tools, tempura or acrylic paint, elmers
glue, wooden rolling pin, clay cutting tool
1. SET UP
CLAY CUTTING TOOL.
Hold the cutting tool as if you are holding a piece of dental floss. Use thumbs
to steady hands and pull string so that it slices the clay.
PORTION CLAY.
Do this before the class starts. You can keep portioned balls wrapped in a
plastic bag. This will keep the clay fresh if you prep more than 1 hour in
advance.
Clay Cutting Tool
CONDITION CLAY.
Smash the clay together either between your two hands or use the table and your body weight
to press down on the clay.
RECYCLE LEFT OVER CLAY.
Keep in a sealed plastic bag and store in a cool place.
2. CREATE A SLAB
Slabs are flat but sturdy pieces of clay. Use rolling pin to roll out clay
3.
Roll Out Clay
Carve and Make Your Mark
MAKE YOUR MARK
Add texture using a variety of techniques
HANDS ONLY
Smooth with your fingers. Use your fingernails and make fingerprints.
ROPE
Press a piece of rope into the clay. Carefully roll and press to create a patterned mark.
CARVING TOOLS
Use carving tools to gently scrape marks into the clay. Be sure to wipe away excess clay while
you are working.
HOUSEHOLD TOOLS
Use tools commonly available such as plastic forks, beads, natural materials or fabric. Consider
what other items you could use to mark or press into the clay.
4. CARVE AND SMOOTH
Use a tool of your choosing to carve out a desired outer shape of the
clay form. Press firmly on the table, wipe away excess clay after each
cut. Smooth edges with a bit of water.
5. LIFT & MOLD
Lift the edges of the slab or use a bowl to mold your bowl shape.
Smooth the Edges
Note! Keep clay bowl wrapped in plastic and in cool place if you are not
finished. Let clay dry when you are finished.
6. Paint
Use a range of different techniques to paint your clay bowl. These techniques
mimic a few Japanese glazing techniques seen in Mingei’s exhibition.
GRAVITY DRIP
Gather paint on a paint brush and drip on bowl, let paint move over surface.
BRUSH STROKES
Use the paintbrush just once so that the natural brush stroke is visible.
Lift and Mold
DIP
Dip part of the bowl in paint, hold it over the bowl to remove most of the paint. Dip another
part of the bowl again after it dries. Overlap part of your piece.
Let paint dry when finished.
Brushstrokes
Gravity Drip
Dip
7. GLUE
Cover entire piece with Elmer’s glue to create a glazed effect. The glue also adds strength to
the bowl. Use a generous amount of glue. Remember the glue will dry clear.
PINCH POTS
1. Create a round ball by pressing and rolling the clay in between the palm of your hands.
2. Press your thumb into the top of the ball and cup the ball with your other hand.
3. Press gently against the part of the clay that is cupped and then rotate and repeat, continue
until you are finished. Notice how the thumb and fingers are pressing on the clay at the
same time (it looks like a duck beak)
4. Press evenly throughout. Be careful not to make the walls too thin or poke through the
bowl. The thinner the walls are, the easier it will break.
The trick is to move slowly and methodically.
1
2
3
2
4
IN PREPARATION FOR YOUR VISIT
Schedule a Museum visit and Docent-led tour through the Education Department.
Mingei offers free admission for all K-12th grade and college groups and transportation
reimbursements for Title 1 schools.
Email: [email protected]
Call: 619-704-7495
Complete an online tour request form: www.mingei.org/education/museum-tourrequest

Review the information in this hand-out with your students; build their
knowledge, excitement and confidence before they arrive.

Discuss museum etiquette and review the Tour Guidelines document that will be
sent to you when your tour is confirmed.

Explain to students that a Museum Docent will guide them through the
exhibition. Explain that a Docent is a knowledgeable Museum-trained volunteer
who will share valuable information with them.

Explain that Mingei International is a museum of folk art, craft and design that
shows work from all over the world, and that “mingei” is a Japanese word that
means “art of the people.”